Will Auburn's defense be its downfall?

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Will Auburn's defense be its downfall?

Yes

61.8%

No

38.2%

Total votes: 296

Auburn earned a trip to the championship in dramatic fashion, defeating Missouri by the score of 59-42 (and seeing previously undefeated Ohio State lose to Michigan State). In the process, Auburn did something that Florida State hasn't done all season long—it surrendered 42 points.

That's why the Seminoles will beat the Tigers in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 6.

Auburn has more than enough offense to keep up with Florida State. The Tigers average over 40.0 points per game this season, despite playing in the SEC. Auburn fields the No. 1 rushing offense in the nation, averaging 335.7 yards per game on the ground.

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However, the Seminoles field the No. 1 defense in points allowed. They surrender an average of 13.3 points per game fewer than the Tigers. Auburn's offense is amazing, but its defense is somewhere between solid and mediocre.

Florida State is not only the better overall team, but it boasts the best player—Jameis Winston. The Heisman hopeful has amassed 4,013 yards from scrimmage and 42 total touchdowns this season. The freshman hasn't lost a game in his college career, and he won't have a blemish on his record when his sophomore campaign starts, either.

Florida State by seven

Rose Bowl: Michigan State vs. Stanford

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While the combined score of the BCS title game is sure to climb up into the 70s, if not 80s, the Rose Bowl will be a defensive battle. Michigan State and Stanford both boast top-10 defenses in points allowed per game. They each have a victory against an elite offense on their resumes, the Spartans holding Ohio State to 24 points and the Cardinal holding Oregon to 20.

But in a showdown highlighting both defenses, Stanford's offense is what will give it the edge. The Cardinal have the best quarterback, running back and wide receiver in this matchup.

Kevin Hogan has a passer rating 20.2 points higher this season than Connor Cook. Tyler Gaffney has accumulated 280 yards and three touchdowns on the ground more than Jeremy Langford. And Ty Montgomery has reeled in 24 receptions for 412 yards and four touchdowns more than Bennie Fowler.

Also in Pasadena, Calif., Stanford will have home-state advantage. Sure, it has two losses while Michigan State has only one. Well, the Spartans also only have two wins over top-25 teams, compared to seven for the Cardinal.

Stanford actually went undefeated against top-25 teams this season. It'll maintain that perfection on New Year's Day.

Stanford by three

Cotton Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Missouri

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This isn't a BCS bowl, but it will be more exciting than the Orange, Sugar and Fiesta Bowls because it actually features an even matchup. And not only are Oklahoma State and Missouri an even matchup, but they both boast high-powered offenses. Don't brush it off because they both suffered last-week letdowns—the Jan. 3 Cotton Bowl could ultimately be the most exciting showdown of the bowl season.

The Cowboys and Tigers combine to average 78.9 points per game. Each also fields a top-40 passing attack. While the former has a slight defensive edge—allowing 2.5 fewer points per game than Missouri—it will be the latter's running game that carries it to victory.

The Tigers rush for 64.5 more yards per game than Oklahoma State. On the season, their duo of Henry Josey and Russell Hansbrough has combined for 1,734 yards on the ground (Josey on 6.6 yards a pop and Hansbrough 6.3) compared to the Cowboys' Desmond Roland and Jeremy Smith's 1,187 yards (Roland on 4.7 yards per carry and Smith on 3.8).

Missouri's wideout duo of L'Damian Washington and Dorial Green-Beckham also trumps Oklahoma State's Tracy Moore and Josh Stewart in receptions, yards and touchdowns. Again, this game will be close, but the Tigers possess a slight yet noticeable edge.

Missouri by three

David Daniels is a breaking news writer at Bleacher Report and news editor at Wade-O Radio.